First let me say, I don't take to change to well. But I have been itching to dye my hair. I have been natural for over 2 yrs and have cut my hair 2 times since going back to natural. I have mulled over the cutting as well. My journey hasn't been about length it has always been about health with that being said I have researched the different dyes for my hair. Then it went to what color I wanted to walk around with. You may hear people say its just hair and they are right but I have a thing where even though it is just hair it is attached to me. So it is apart of me. Each hair style and each time I put my hands to my hair my energy is released to it.
Now with the dye I will answer the questions that I have asked myself and if you have other be sure to ask.
1) People will say once you dye your hair you are no longer natural is that true? Depends on who you ask. Me: your natural as long as your not putting a chemical that relaxes the curl/hair.
2) Will dyeing my hair damage it in anyway? As long as you keep your hair moisturized it will not. So deep conditioning your hair is a must. Also be sure to do a protein treatment to keep the strength of your hair.
3) Can you dye your hair after applying henna to your hair 4 weeks ago? Yes. Again keep your hair moisturized. Use the LOC or the LCO method.
4) How often can you dye your hair? The box says 4-6 weeks. But I would say hold off 8 weeks before you reapply. You do not want to over process your hair. Yes dyeing you hair is processing it as well.
Now let's talk about how your hair should feel while having it dyed.
It is the same as it should feel while it isn't. If it feels super dry it needs moisture. If it feels like it is brittle and you can hear it when you put your hands in it.. You will need to do a deep condition with some sort of protein or a protein treatment asap. Always remember Natural hair is fragile. If you are just learning your hair and how to treat it on a daily/weekly basis. PLEASE hold of on doing anything that will chemically alter it.
Remember Natural hair takes work. We may get frustrated with it, with all the detangling, finger detangling, shingling, twisting, braiding, bantu knots, twist/braid knot outs, keeping up the moisture levels, washing, co-washing, conditioning, leave in conditioner, creams, oils, butters, and the list goes on and on.. Looking at it and the terms it may seem like it is a lot. But remember to have patients, because at the end of the day that's what you will need for it to grow and be healthy..
5) How many different types of dyes are there? There are 3 different types of dyes. There is Semi, Permanent. and temporary..
- Semi/Demi Permanent and Rinse dyes just coats the hair strand with color and will fade each time you wash your hair.
- Temporary Dyes will wash out after one wash.
- Permanent Dye requires the hair cuticle to be lifted and alters the proteins that gives us our natural hair color. In other words it will permanently color your hair it will not wash out but it will grow out eventually.
Now let's talk about how your hair should feel while having it dyed.
It is the same as it should feel while it isn't. If it feels super dry it needs moisture. If it feels like it is brittle and you can hear it when you put your hands in it.. You will need to do a deep condition with some sort of protein or a protein treatment asap. Always remember Natural hair is fragile. If you are just learning your hair and how to treat it on a daily/weekly basis. PLEASE hold of on doing anything that will chemically alter it.
Remember Natural hair takes work. We may get frustrated with it, with all the detangling, finger detangling, shingling, twisting, braiding, bantu knots, twist/braid knot outs, keeping up the moisture levels, washing, co-washing, conditioning, leave in conditioner, creams, oils, butters, and the list goes on and on.. Looking at it and the terms it may seem like it is a lot. But remember to have patients, because at the end of the day that's what you will need for it to grow and be healthy..
